Stuffed Pepper Casserole is an easy twist on classic stuffed peppers, combining seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese in one comforting dish.
It has all the familiar flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the extra work of stuffing each pepper individually. It’s a simple, hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Why This Stuffed Pepper Casserole Works
- Easy one-pan meal: Everything comes together in one skillet or casserole dish.
- Hearty and filling: Ground beef and rice make it satisfying.
- Family-friendly: Mild seasonings and melted cheese make it easy to enjoy.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry and refrigerator staples.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Casserole
1. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Rice and Sauce
Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Casserole
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir occasionally and add a little extra broth if needed.
5. Add the Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. For a more golden, bubbly topping, place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Use colorful bell peppers for extra flavor and variety.
- Don’t overcook the rice: Check it toward the end of the cooking time.
- Brown the beef well to add more savory flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smooth, melty topping.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a simple and comforting dinner that brings together everything you love about classic stuffed peppers in an easier format. The combination of seasoned beef, tender peppers, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese makes it a hearty meal for the whole family.
Serve it warm with a simple green salad or your favorite crusty bread for an easy weeknight dinner.
